He is talented, charismatic, focused, rooted and enjoys every moment that relates him with music. He exclusively performs on a specially designed handcrafted custom made guitar which is named after his fusion project. The custom guitar which has two necks enables him to play on Indian as well as Western tunings to savour the authenticity of both cultures; I have enjoyed and loved all the gigs that I have attended in Mumbai. His album ‘Bends’ is mesmerizing. From a teenager to a senior citizen everybody is his audience and fan. Let’s Talk Life... with Ravi Iyer, a gem that the music industry today is proud to have, where he talks about his journey of life and his everlasting love for music.
· Tell us something about yourself?
I come from a typical Tam Brahm family, with my parents being school teachers and learned Hindustani and Carnatic musicians as well. I initially began learning Tabla at age of 7 and continued to take lessons for about 5 years from then on. During my teens I developed liking towards the Guitar and started my formal training for the same. Meanwhile completed my academic education, schooling and later graduated college majoring in Physics. I successfully completed my diploma in Sound Engineering from the University of Mumbai (Bombay).
“I usually end up liking what others dislike and end up disliking what others like"
· What are you currently doing professionally?
Currently and as always, performing live, teaching (guitar), composing/arranging music and live/studio sessions.
· What made you choose this career?
I was always inclined towards taking up music as a career and was so was already professionally performing while I barely got out of college then in the 90's, but had to give up music and take up a job later due to certain demanding circumstances then, and those 5 years of my white collar job made me choose music as my main career.
· In the 80's and 90’s you were a well known rockstar but later turned into an Indo Classical Guitar Player... What motivated you to do so?
It's the other way around actually .I began with Indian classical music and later in the 80's and 90's performed a lot of Rock music and now I go back to my roots where I started from. But am glad as am able to do both now and that's how it is.
· What led to the birth of V -Ravi Guitar Fusion?
V-RAVI GUITAR FUSION is an outcome of all the Tabla I learnt in my childhood, the music I was exposed to right from birth, thanks to my parents and the rock influences in my teens.
· Tell us about V- Ravi Guitar Fusion?
V-RAVI GUITAR FUSION comprises of myself on guitar,very fortunate to have one of the best Tabla players and with whom I connect like no other viz; Rupak Dhamankar and my dear friend Crosby Fernandes on bass guitar. The core line up is typically a trio line up and occasionally I do collaborate with other like minded jazz and fusion artistes. Our album BENDS which is a live album was nominated for the best fusion album of the year at GIMA AWARDS 2013.
· Your take on the Current Bollywood Music?
The current Bollywood music is definitely flourishing and it is nice to see many changes in the trend. I feel there is a space for every genre and everybody. It is all about finding that right space where one fits in.
· Perks of choosing your career?
Struggle!!!! But that's the high you get when your work gets appreciated and noticed by everyone.
· Challenges that you faced during your journey? How did you overcome them?
There have been innumerable number of challenges good and bad , ups and downs in my journey, but to be honest I really cannot tell whether I have overcome them or not, but am here to create and perform music, which is what I always focus on.
· How many years does it take for one to be a professional Guitar player?
Ah! in this era i do not think ill be able to answer that loaded question.
· What was your 'Nothing is Impossible moment’?
That moment comes up everyday at least once I guess, so you could multiply the number of days into years starting from birth.
· Lastly what advice would you give to the aspiring guitar players who want to make their mark in the field?
There are no short cuts to learning music or guitar specifically. Hence find a good teacher or institution, learn, practice and then perform with your soul and all honesty. It will never fail.
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